Universal Health Care Proposed In Md. (AP/WBALTV.com)

[eppur_se_muova]

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- A universal health care plan for Maryland has been proposed by more than 30 Democratic lawmakers.

But the plan's sponsors said they doubt universal health care will be adopted this year. They said they proposed the bill to raise awareness about the need for more people to have health insurance.

Currently, Howard County is the nation's only county planning a universal health coverage plan. Lawmakers approved an expensive package last year expanding Medicaid coverage through a higher tobacco tax and other tax hikes.

The lead sponsor of the universal health care plan, Delegate Karen Montgomery, D-Montgomery County, said that her plan would cost a lot but would save money over time because fewer people would rely on emergency rooms for their health care.

http://www.wbaltv.com/politics/15255358/detail.html?rss=bal&psp=news

Actual bill, scroll down for link to PDF file:
http://mlis.state.md.us/2007RS/billfile/sb0474.htm

http://www.healthcare-now.org/